Wayne Aarnes

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/TOznYQwRaG4
Wayne M. Aarnes, 83, Grand Forks, died Friday, August 2, 2024 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks.

Wayne Martin Aarnes, the son of Elf and Edna (Asleson) Aarnes, was born at Northwood, North Dakota on November 27, 1940. He was raised and educated in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Wayne is a U.S. Navy Veteran. He spent 10 years in the Navy traveling around the world until he ended up in Vietnam. Wayne’s service ended in 1969. In Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Nga. They were married in 1972. They started their family and resided in Saigon until 1975. They then moved to Puerto Rico. In 1979 the decision was made to take his family back to his home state of North Dakota and they have lived in Grand Forks since then.

Wayne had various jobs throughout his life including time at American Crystal Sugar, American Woods, a short stint as a bus driver, and was even the relief captain of the Riverboat the Dakota Queen. He was a long time employee and retired from the North Dakota State Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks. Wayne was a member of the American Legion, The VFW, and the Eagles Lodge #350. 

Wayne enjoyed fishing, gardening, and bird watching. His favorite summertime retreat was Gull Lake in Minnesota and spent the last 43 years catching fish for his wife to eat, teaching his girls how to fish, and spending time with friends and family there. At home he loved growing tomatoes and seeing his apple trees bloom. He had many birdfeeders at the home and at the lake to watch all the little birds come by. He also insisted on going to every family reunion. He must see everyone. He had to “show them”… by continually rolling box cars playing 6-5-4 and winning all of their quarters. 

Wayne greatest joy was his family. He loved his “wifey”, Nga so incredibly much. He was always taking care of her Watching TV together, smiling and teasing each other, and always listening to her. It was so sweet watching them hand in hand as they walked together. He was very proud of his three daughters, and loved his son-in-laws as if they were his own. His best moments were ones when everyone was at his home together spending time as a family. 

Wayne is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nga Thi Aarnes; daughters, Sherry Aarnes (John Reidy), Sandra Aarnes- Johnson, (Matthew Johnson), Angie McCullough (Trent McCullough); sisters, Charlene Allard (Francis), and Cindy Kuster (Wayne). He was preceded in death by his father, Elf, mother, Edna, and a brother, Roger Aarnes. 

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024 in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. 

Interment will be in Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.